Closing Time (6 page)

“Oh yeah?”

She nodded. “Now, if you get in that shower, I’m coming with you.”

I rubbed my nose against her. “Deal.”

4

Hazel

Ever since I could remember, I craved my parents’ approval. But no matter what I did, I never got it. And if I did
get their attention, it was in a negative way. Peter had always been the smart one of the family. Whenever I excelled at something, he always did it better. My parents always wanted me to be more like him.

Well, you know what? Fuck them.

Flynn loved me exactly as I was. He never asked me to change and he supported every decision I made. He even told me to quit my job just so I could dance while he supported me. I didn’t trust him for the longest time, but in the end, he was the only person I could ever really trust. He’d been Mr. Perfect from the beginning. I’m just grateful he put up with my bullshit for as long as he did.

“How was work?” he asked when I walked inside.

I kicked off my heels then dropped my purse. He was sitting on the couch so I moved into his lap. “It was work.”

He smirked. “You could quit…”

“I can’t do that to Sean.”

He rolled his eyes. “The guy is a CEO of a company and he has a pregnant wife. Believe me, he doesn’t care if you quit. It’s no stress on him. One of his ants will find a replacement for you.”

“I still feel bad. Not very many people have been nice to me or stuck their neck out for me, and Sean has been wonderful. The last thing I want to do is hurt my friend.”

He sighed. “I’ll talk to him then.”

“No, let it be.”

“Let it be?” He smiled. “You quoting
the
Beatles
?”

“In times of distress, it’s always appropriate to quote the
Beatles
.”

“You’re cute.”

“I’m cute?”

“Yep.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t say that about yourself.”

“Oh, I am. But you’re cuter.” He kissed me on the cheek then gripped my ass. “What are we doing tonight?”

“I have plans. I don’t know what you’re doing.”

His eyes fell. “What plans?”

“I’m seeing Peter.”

“Can I come?” he asked. “That guy is a cool dude.”

“We’re having dinner.”

“I eat. And I’ll even pay for it.” He winked at me.

“I don’t know…”

“Come on, babe. You were at work all day and I missed you.”

I liked teasing him. “Okay. You can come.”

“Yes!”

“Wow, you’re excited.”

“This guy could be my brother-in-law someday.”

“Could?”

“I mean, he will,” he said quickly. “And I want to make a good impression.”

“You already made an amazing impression.”

“I just think he’s a cool dude and I’d like to get to know him better. We can drink together and watch sports. It’ll be like having a better, smarter, and cooler brother.”

“Thanks,” Cade said from down the hall.

Flynn laughed. “That guy has ears like a fox.”

“You just have a big mouth,” he shouted back.

“So, what time are we going?” Flynn asked.

“In an hour.”

“Black tie?”

“No.” I cocked an eyebrow. “More like jeans and a sweater.”

“Good. I hate dressing up.”

We arrived at the restaurant first and got a table.

“I love Italian food,” Flynn said as he put his arm over the back of my chair.

“I know.”

“And I love you.” He leaned toward me and rubbed his nose against mine.

“I love you too.”

“I’m grateful you have one family member that isn’t a complete dickhead. Peter is welcome to come over whenever he wants.”

“I’m
starting to think you like my brother more than you like me.”

“Well…”

I hit him playfully.

“Baby, you know I’m kidding. And he doesn’t have a nice pussy like you do, so there really is no competition.”

I hit his arm again. “We’re in a restaurant. Keep it down.”

“What? What’s wrong with having a nice pussy?”

I rolled my eyes and looked away, knowing if I kept talking I’d antagonize him.

He smirked then kissed me on the cheek. “Okay. I’ll be good.”

“Thanks.”

“But when we get home…different story.”

“Of course it is.”

My brother walked into the restaurant then spotted our table. He waved and smiled then approached us. “Wow. Hazel is on time for once.”

Flynn laughed. “It’s a rare occurrence.”

This wasn’t starting off well. I got up and hugged my brother. “How’s the city so far?”

“Awesome.” He patted my back then shook Flynn’s hand. “I saw a hooker with one leg.” He said it like it was the coolest thing in the world.

“On fifth?” Flynn asked.

I narrowed my eyes at him.

“She’s pretty cool,” Flynn said. “She plays the harmonica.”

“How the hell do you know that?” I snapped.

He shrugged. “Well, I’ve been around
…”

I wanted to hurl.

He laughed while he watched my face. “Baby, I’m kidding. I usually bring her clothes and food during the winter months.”

Oh, the relief.

Peter sat down. “I want to see her make that sweet music.”

“She’s on the corner around five,” Flynn said.

“I’m so there.” Peter picked up his menu then browsed through the selections.

“So, how’s work?” I asked.

“Awesome.” He was the most enthusiastic person I knew. “I can’t believe I have a job straight out of college.”

“Well, you’re really smart, Peter.” I decided on the chicken masala.

“Wow…my sister said something nice about me.” He gave me a knowing look.

“I always say nice things about you,” I countered.

“Flynn, what do you do?” Peter asked. “I forgot to ask.”

“I’m a writer.”

“Cool,” he said. “Are you a journalist?”

“No, I write plays and TV shows,” Flynn said in a humble tone.

“Cooler.” He grabbed a piece of bread from the basket and dipped it in the oil.

“If you need a tour guide to the city, let me know,” Flynn offered. “I’ve lived here my entire life.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Peter said. “But I have a few friends here that know their way around.”

“Do you live alone?” I asked.

“No, I have a roommate.” He didn’t look at me when he said it.

“I’m surprised you didn’t get a place by yourself. You can afford it,” I said.

He shrugged. “Student loans.”

His response was odd but I didn’t question him.

The waiter came over and took our order. Flynn was much more polite in public compared to being alone in our apartment. But I wouldn’t change him for anything. His cockiness and care-free attitude was a breath of fresh air a majority of the time.

I asked my brother about work and how things were going. He seemed to love his job even though he didn’t have any serious cases. The features between us were pretty similar. There was no doubt we were related.

“Found any honies?” I asked.

He smirked. “No, not quite.”

“I got a ton of single girlfriends if you want to be set up,” Flynn offered. “And I know the loose ones from the not loose ones.” He gave my brother a wink.

I gave my boyfriend a look of hatred.

“Sorry,” he said with a shrug.

Peter watched us closely. “You guys are cute together.”

“Cute?” I’ve never heard my boyfriend say that word.

“Yeah. I’m glad you found a good guy. If I ever see Kyle again, I’ll smash his face in.” My brother sipped his wine.

Flynn held up his hand and gave my brother a high-five. “We’re going to get along great.”

“Yeah,” my brother said with a smile.

After the food was brought, my brother became quiet. He seemed uncomfortable, under the weather.

“Everything okay?” I asked him.

“Um…no.” He put down his fork and looked at the table.

“What is it?”
What happened? Was my brother in trouble?

“There’s something I need to tell you…I’ve been dreading it. But I think of all people, you’ll understand the most. My friends know, but you’re the first family member I’ve decided to open up to.”

Oh my god. Was he sick? Did he get in trouble with the law?
“Okay.”

Flynn kept his silence and didn’t make any jokes.

Peter sighed. “Well, there’s no other way to say it than just to say it. I’m gay.”

Oh. I took a long moment to process his words.

Flynn said nothing, resting his elbows on the table.

My brother stared at me and waited for me to say something. “Hazel?”

“I’m sorry.” I shook my head. “I just thought you were going to say something worse, like you had cancer or something.”

“I’m in perfect health,” Peter said.

The fact my brother was gay was shocking, but I guess it wasn’t that surprising. He was always sensitive and talked to me about my problems. I’d never seen any girls come around and he loved to watch The Golden Girls. “I’m happy for you. I know that must have been hard to keep from everyone.”

He stared at me like I was crazy. “That’s it? You aren’t mad? You aren’t going to talk me out of it? You aren’t going
to ask me to see a psychiatrist?”

“Why would I…?” I didn’t think it was a big deal.

My brother was in shock. “So…you’re cool with this?”

“Yeah.” His sex life was none of my business.

He breathed a sigh of relief. “I just…I thought you would hate me or something.”

“I dance with gay guys all the time. I’ve never had a problem with homosexuality.”

“That gives me great relief.”

“And if I didn’t, it wouldn’t change anything. You’re my brother. I support whatever you believe in.”

He smiled. “That means a lot to me.”

Flynn put his hand on my thigh. “I share the same viewpoint.”

My brother nodded. “Well, that was easier than I thought.”

“If anything, I respect you more,” I said. “I know coming out isn’t easy and it probably never will be. The fact you’re standing up for what you believe in is admirable.”

He rested his elbows on the table. “I guess I forgot how cool my baby sister is.”

“I am pretty cool,” I said.

‘The fact that you have to say you’re cool automatically makes you uncool,” Flynn said.

I eyed him. “Seriously? Coming from the guy that thinks he’s the best thing since sliced bread.”

“Well, it’s different,” Flynn said.

“Because you’re a boy?” I challenged.

“My sexiness is an undeniable truth,” Flynn said.

I rolled my eyes. “Sometimes I wonder why I stick around.”

Flynn smirked. “I don’t.”

“Anyway…” I turned back to my brother. “I’m assuming you haven’t told Mom and Dad.”

“No,” Peter said with a laugh. “That’s why I didn’t come out until I moved here. There’s really nothing they can do about it now.”

“Are you going to tell them?” I asked.

“I don’t know.” My brother shrugged. “I’ll be treated like shit. After seeing the way they constantly put you down, I’m not looking forward to it.”

“It’s not much fun,” I said honestly.

“Why do you guys care anyway?” Flynn asked. “If they can’t accept their kids for who they are, you shouldn’t give them the time of day. They’ve turned their backs on you, so you should turn your backs on them.” His voice was venomous.

“Not a fan?” Peter asked with a laugh.

“Not in the least,” Flynn said seriously. “Their constant disapproval of Hazel has hurt her more than anyone realizes. It’s unacceptable.”

Peter gave me a fond look. “I think she turned out okay.”

Thanks to a special someone.
“So…you seeing anyone?”

Peter gave me a wide smirk. “I have a boyfriend. We live together.”

“Ah…the secret roommate.” Flynn winked at him.

“He’s great,” Peter said. “He’s a lawyer too. We met in college.”

“Cool,” I said. “I’d love to meet him.”

“Let’s double date,” Flynn offered.

“Thanks…I really appreciate how supportive you’re being about this.” Peter looked down at his food, embarrassed.

“There’s nothing to be supportive about,” I said. “There’s nothing wrong with being gay. You basically just told me you painted your house a different color.”

Peter smiled. “Everything is going so well. My friends were surprised but they came around pretty quickly. The only reason why I was concerned about your opinion is because you’re the only family member I actually like. I didn’t want to lose you. I already know how Mom and Dad will react. I’m pretty certain they’ll disown me.”